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University students find permanent sargasso solution

Cancun, Q.R. – Technology students from the Institute of Technology Felipe Carrillo Puerto were presented with the funding needed to turn their proposal into profit.

The students submitted the proposal to local officials in August when they explained that the problematic Sargasso could be collected and converted into fertilizer to be used on farms in local villages.

The five young male students along with two teachers and one technical advisor, came up with an innovative way to use the unwanted kelp that has plagued Mexico’s Riviera Maya since the spring.

Willian Guzman Briceno, director of Technology, said that organizations like the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) and the Ministry of Economic Development (SEE), have expressed interest in their idea and that the group has been awarded 8.5 million peso for their project.

“Right now, there are buyers interested in Mérida and Campeche, in addition to the National Peasant Confederation (CNC),” he said.

The group said they have their first 5,000 liters of bio-fertilizer ready for sale. While state sale contracts are being set up, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI ) is taking the necessary steps to protect the property and patent, both the formula, the process and the final product, for the company that has taken shape.